Long-range e-scooters

E-scooter range figures are measured under ideal conditions: a light rider of around 75 kg, a flat route, eco mode with reduced speed and a temperature of about 25 °C. In everyday use at 20 km/h, with traffic-light stops and a bit of wind, you often only achieve 50 to 70 per cent of that. Some manufacturers now also state a range in sport mode – this figure is usually more meaningful for your buying decision.

Even better is a look at the battery capacity: volts × amp hours gives watt hours. A scooter with 48 V and 12.5 Ah has around 600 Wh, one with 36 V and 7.8 Ah only about 280 Wh.

Besides battery size, these factors are the most important:

The downside of large batteries is weight. Scooters with a claimed range of 70 to 100 km often weigh 20 to 30 kg. That makes them only partly suitable for combining with bus and train. Consider whether you really need the full range every day or whether charging at work is an option. In that case, a lighter model with a medium-sized battery is often enough.

Longer charging times are the second drawback: with the standard charger, a large battery often takes six to ten hours. So plan to charge overnight or during working hours.

Lithium-ion batteries age least when they are not left fully charged or empty for long periods. Whenever possible, charge the scooter at room temperature, use only the supplied charger and store it somewhere dry over winter with the battery about half full.

If you can charge at work, the range you need is halved. Ask your employer whether there is a spot with a power socket – that is often cheaper than a scooter with a huge battery.